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backbone
The definition of a backbone is an animal's spine, or determination and strength.
(noun)- An example of a backbone is a human's vertebrae, which form to make the spine.
- An example of backbone is a ship captain having the guts to sail into a storm to rescue a missing sailor.
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See backbone in Webster's New World College Dictionary
noun
- the column of bones along the center of the back of vertebrate animals, including humans, made up of separate bones connected by the spinal cord, ligaments, and disk-shaped cartilage; spine
- main support; firmest part
- a main ridge or range of mountains
- willpower, courage, determination, etc.
- back ()
Origin: ME bakbon: see back & bone
See backbone in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
- The vertebrate spine or spinal column.
- Something, such as the keel of a ship, that resembles a backbone.
- A main support or major sustaining factor: the backbone of a thesis.
- Geology a. A ridge forming the principal axis of a mountain.b. The principal mountain ridge, range, or system of a region.
- Chemistry The main chain of atoms in a polymer.
- Strength of character; determination: displayed grit and backbone in facing adversity.
Related Forms:
- backˈbonedˌ adjective
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